Coast Region Police successfully return 114 students to school out of 573 identified absentees

KIBAHA: POLICE in Coast Regional have successfully returned 114 students to school from 573 identified Primary and Secondary school students who had stopped attending classes for various reasons.

The achievement follows a monitoring operation conducted by Community Police Officers (Police Kata) across several schools in the region in July 2026 to identify students who had dropped out or were persistently absent from school.

Speaking to journalists at his office on August 5, 2026, Coast Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Salim Morcase, said follow-up visits to the families of the affected students revealed several factors contributing to school absenteeism.

He cited limited awareness among some parents and guardians about the importance of education, economic hardship, teenage pregnancies, and family conflicts as the main reasons behind students’ failure to attend school.

“Through Community Police Officers, the Coast Regional Police Force has successfully returned 114 students to school. This operation will continue in collaboration with teachers and other education stakeholders to ensure that every child enjoys the right to education and to help build a responsible and productive generation capable of contributing to national development,” ACP Morcase said.

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One of the parents, Musa Ndizu, commended the Police Force, through its Community Police Officers, for its efforts to curb truancy by closely following up with absentee students and working together with teachers and parents to ensure they return to the classroom.

He said the initiative safeguards children’s right to education while strengthening the responsibility of parents and guardians in supporting their children’s upbringing and education.

Meanwhile, teacher Rodrick Michael said some students face difficult circumstances at home, including a lack of essential school supplies, making it difficult for them to attend classes regularly.

He urged parents, guardians and the wider community to work together to ensure children receive the basic necessities required for learning, emphasizing that education remains the foundation for both individual and national development.